Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 4

Author(s): Hemchandracharya, Helen M Johnson
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra

Page 255

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CHAPTER FIVE
appearance and said, “Noble sir, be my guest for dinner." The younger brother of Rāma replied, "My lord and his wife are in a garden outside. I must see that he eats first." Then King Vajrakarņa had food with many sauces taken to Rāma with Saumitri.
At the conclusion of the meal Lakşmaņa was sent by Rāma, who had instructed him, to the King of Avanti and said to him confidently, “King Dāśarathi, Bharata, of whom all kings are slaves, forbids your quarrel with Vajrakarņa." Siðhodara said: "Even Bharata shows favor only to his followers who are devoted, but not otherwise. . This vassal of mine, Vajrakarņa, is ill-disposed. He does not bow to me. How can I show him favor ? Tell me.” Lakşmaņa said again: "He is not disrespectful to you. His failure to bow arises from respect for his religion. Do not be angry at Vajrakarņa. Bharata's command must be obeyed; for Bharata is ruler of the earth up to the ocean." Angered, Sinhodara said, "Who, pray, is King Bharata, who, a partisan of Vajrakarņa, crazy, says this to me?” Red-eyed with anger, the petal of his lip quivering, Saumitri said: "Villain, if you do not know Bharata, I shall make him known very soon. Rise for battle. Be completely armed. You cease to exist like a lizard struck by the lightning of my arm.”
Sinhodara with his army, eager to kill Saumitri, was like a child eager to touch a fire concealed by ashes. Lakşmaņa, who had pulled up by his arm an elephant-post like a lotus-stalk, like Death with a raised staff, beat the enemy. Then Saumitri, long-armed, lifted up Sinhodara who was on an elephant, tied him with his garment by the neck like an animal. While the inhabitants of Daśängapura watched this remarkable thing, Lakşmaņa dragged him like a cow into Rāma's presence. When Sirhodara had seen Rāma and bowed to him, he said: "I did not know that you had come here, scion of Raghu's family. Yet, why was this done to test me, Your Majesty ? If you are devoted to tricks, enough of life for me. Pardon